Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 347

December 13;      1 Timothy 3:7;       191/260(III);          ‘A Christian 24/7’

1 Timothy 3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.    NIV

Though this verse is speaking specifically to ministers, it has application for every believer.  As a Christian, we must realize that people will ‘judge’ Jesus by the way we conduct ourselves.  It may not be fair, but it is true and we must remember that.  How do we speak to others?  How do we respond when others are discourteous to us?  The list could go on and on.  We have the incredible honor to represent Jesus.  I honestly do not feel there is a greater privilege than that.  With the privilege comes the responsibility.  How do we treat owners and workers of restaurants and stores we do business with?   Pastor Sheila and I sincerely try to represent Jesus honorably wherever we go.  It is good to laugh and have fun with those in business, but there must never be discourtesy or sarcasm.  We teach and believe that we are now, Jesus Christ on the earth.  Not only in what we teach and the power of the Holy Spirt that flows through us, but also in manifesting His character and nature in our lives.  The devil loves it when we as born again, Spirit filled Christians act in a manner that disgraces our Lord.  May it always be said that when we leave a place, those who know us and know we are Christians, would be able to speak favorably about Jesus and the way we represent Him to others. I believe that Jesus was respectful to women and children and a wonderful Example to men.  I pray and intend that my conduct is such as to draw others to Jesus.